Chapter 17: Bonus chapter

Lingling’s POV

Graduation day felt surreal. The auditorium was filled with the buzz of excited graduates, proud parents, and faculty members congratulating students. As I sat in the front row, my heart raced—not from nerves, but from pride.

When they called my name, announcing me as the university topper, I felt a wave of emotions crash over me. Years of hard work, late nights, and sacrifices had led to this moment. The applause echoed as I walked up to the stage to receive my medal and certificate.

“Congratulations, Ms. Lingling,” the dean said, shaking my hand. “Your dedication and brilliance have set a new benchmark for our university.”

To my surprise, he added, “We’ve also received inquiries from top companies interested in offering you a position. Your future is bright, young lady.”

As I stepped off the stage, I spotted Orm in the crowd, cheering the loudest. Her proud smile made my heart skip a beat.

Orm’s POV

Seeing Lingling on stage, holding her medal with that radiant smile, I couldn’t contain my pride. She deserved every bit of this recognition and more.

“That’s my girl,” I whispered to myself, clapping until my hands hurt.

After the ceremony, I waited near the entrance as Lingling was surrounded by classmates and professors congratulating her. She looked so confident, yet still had that shy charm that made her so endearing.

Finally, she made her way to me, her medal glinting in the sunlight. “Hey, topper,” I teased, opening my arms.

She blushed but stepped into my embrace. “It still feels unreal,” she admitted softly.

“Well, believe it. You’re incredible, Lingling. And you deserve all of this.”

Her smile widened, and for a moment, I thought about the ring box in my pocket. Tonight, I was going to make this day even more special.

Lingling’s POV

Orm offered to drive me home after the celebration, and I accepted, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. I kept touching the ring box in my bag, wondering if I had the courage to go through with my plan.

As we walked to her car, Orm was unusually quiet. Her fingers brushed against mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

“You okay?” I asked, looking up at her.

She smiled, but there was something in her eyes—anticipation, maybe? “Yeah. Just thinking about how perfect today has been.”

We reached her car, and as she opened the door for me, I hesitated. My heart was pounding, but I knew I couldn’t let this moment pass.

“Orm, wait,” I said, clutching the strap of my bag.

She turned to me, her brows raised in curiosity. “What’s up?”

I swallowed hard and pulled out the velvet box.

Orm’s POV

When Lingling pulled out a small box, my breath caught. Was she…?

“I’ve been wanting to say this for a while,” she began, her voice shaking slightly. “You’ve been my best friend, my support system, and the person who makes me happiest. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

She opened the box, revealing a delicate silver ring.

“Orm, will you be my girlfriend?”

For a moment, I was stunned. Then, a laugh bubbled out of me—not because it was funny, but because it was perfect.

“Lingling,” I said, pulling out my own ring box. “You have no idea how much I’ve been waiting to hear those words. I was going to ask you the same thing tonight!”

Her eyes widened, and she let out a soft laugh. “You were?”

I nodded, opening my box to reveal a simple gold band. “You’re the only person I’ve ever felt this way about. I’ve been carrying this ring for weeks, waiting for the right moment. Lingling, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

Lingling’s POV

Tears welled up in my eyes as I laughed and nodded, my heart overflowing. “Yes! I love you too, Orm.”

We slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers, and I felt a sense of belonging I had never known before.

As we stood there, Orm suddenly leaned in, her hands on my waist, pulling me close.

“Just so you know,” she murmured, her lips brushing against my ear, “I’m yours now, completely.”

My cheeks burned, but before I could respond, she kissed me—deep and bold, with a passion that made my knees weak.

The drive to my apartment was filled with laughter and stolen glances. When we arrived, Orm turned off the engine and leaned over, her face inches from mine.

“So, officially girlfriends now?” she asked, her grin mischievous.

I bit my lip, trying to hide my smile. “Officially girlfriends.”

Her boldness returned as she cupped my face, her eyes sparkling with affection. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me, Lingling. And just so you know… I’m never letting you go.”

She kissed me again, her lips lingering on mine, and I melted into her embrace, feeling like the luckiest person in the world.

To be continued… in the journey of love.

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Dear readers of A Spark in the Darkness,

Thank you for joining Lingling and Orm on their journey of love and self-discovery! This little bonus chapter is a heartfelt gift to celebrate their growth, resilience, and the spark they’ve found in each other.

Stay healthy !